Local Walks

A few Recommended Local Short Walks

1. Moss Eccles Tarn - 2.5 miles 1 hour

From Ees Wyke Cottage leave via the upper gate by our garden. Take a left and then immediate right up the main road. After 20 yards take a left by the play park along the tarmac track. Take this track for approximately 600 yards, keeping left where it forks, the track runs along Esthwaite Water from above. Take the time to enjoy the wonderful views of Estwaite, Grizedale forest, the Coniston fells and Langdale Pikes.

At the bungalow follow the track off to the right and go through the gates at the copse. Follow the track through the field along the edge of the wall. The track rises for about 600 yards to another copse, Here follow the arrow sign off to the right across the field to the far right hand corner. As you pass through the field you will see the tarn off to the left through the trees. Go through the gate in the corner of the field into a wooded area running along the side of the tarn.

Take time to admire the tarn and its delightful lillies - especially in the summer when they are flowering. Beatrix Potter owned the tarn and used to keep a rowing boat on it. Follow the path through the woods and over the wooden walkways. At the far end of the tarn go through a small gate and you will see a rocky outcrop above the tarn. This is a great spot for a sit down and picnic. Just off to the left of this is a small waterfall. Often a small herd of goats will come to check you out.

From the outcrop head down to the path below. If you take the path uphill to the left it will take you off to more tarns and Caiffe Heights - a walk I will decribe elsewhere. For this walk head downhill to the right and through the gate. Follow the path for about 1/2 mile past some farm buildings to both the left and then right. As you come down the lane you will see the village emerge in front of you.  As you come into the village itself you will see the Tower Bank Arms in front of you. If you are like me and feel you deserve a sit down and a refreshing drink - heres you chance. Alternatively turn right back down the main road past HillTop and Sawrey House - the play park is again on your right. Walk past the play park and take the left hand road back to Ees Wyke Cottage.

2. Tarn Hows - 2 miles - 1 hour

This is one of the most celebrated and popular walks in the Lake District. To get there from Ees Wyke drive into Hawkshead from Sawrey. At Hawkshead take the right turn towards Ambleside. About 1/2 mile from Hawkshead take a left turn at Hawkshead Hall signposted Hawkshead Hill & Coniston. After about 1 mile you enter the hamlet of Hawkshead Hill - take the small road to the right singposed Tarn Hows. at the junction take left and then the immediate right hand road - again signposted Tarn Hows. This is a single track road so drive carefully. Follow the road around for about 3/4 mile. A small car park is to your right. This is a special disabled person parking area so unless this applies to you carry on round. As you turn the fabulous views over the lakeland fells and Tarn Hows comes into view. To the left is the National Trust car park and visitor centre.

Park here - it is pay and display. Walk back across the road and you see the wide and disabled accessible  path in front of you. This is a simple circular walk around the tarns which will take a leisurely hour or so. There are many other walks that you can veer off onto on the way round. Be sure to enjoy an ice cream back at the car park on your return.